Who you are really matters

Today I received this post from Sparkpeople.com which brought to mind the movie "It's a Wonderful," one of my favorite movies during the holiday seasons. Read on....

"Everything you do makes a difference. Even if you're not on the front lines leading the effort, you have a contribution to make. Without your contribution, no matter how small, so many other things would never happen. The world needs what you have to offer. You have no idea how the simplest of your everyday actions can effect your child, and even people you've never met. Chances are, you'll never know. But if you're looking for a purpose to work toward, all you need is the desire and the right perspective. Define yourself as your task, and that's all you'll ever be. Define yourself as your contribution to your family, and suddenly you're a very important part of a bigger picture. The biggest pictures are the ones where there's room for everyone to be seen."

Every once in a while we need to read/hear these words or watch movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" because it reminds us that we are not meaningless, reminds us that what we do or say matters more than we realize.

I really just wanted to share this message with you and hope that it instills in you, as it has in me, the desire to treat everyone with respect and compassion; to be part of the bigger picture even if you cannot yet see or experience the effaces of your actions.

Terie

Be Happy Make Happy

I started my own little campaign. It's called Be Happy Make Happy.

Why?

Because I have had to realize very quickly that people and events will make me sad and how I react to them will determine how I make others feel.

Little things have happened around me that caused a serious wave of anxiety, anger, betrayal, the list goes on.  Bottom line, intentionally or not, people have done things that to me seem unprofessional and lacking of good moral character.  My immediate response was to run and find them and ask them WHY did you lie, WHY did you betray my trust, WHY couldn't you extend me the professionalism and courtesy I deserve.  Thankfully I had too much to do, too many kids to entertain and I had to exercise self control.

After a good nights rest and reading several pages of inspirational quotes and stories my mind was once again at peace. 

I place a high moral value on the way people behave. I find it repellent to have a lot, and to behave with anything other than courtesy in the old sense of the word - politeness of the heart, a gentleness of the spirit."~ Fran Lebowitz

This was the first quote I found and it was the one that started the process of letting go.  Understanding in my own mind that while I expect people to be courteous it doesn't mean it's going to happen and I need to learn to let go.

My friend Lori later sent me this little quote in FaceBook:

Speak when you are angry--and you will make the best speech you'll ever regret.- Laurence J. Peter

This really hit closest to my heart because I was ready to send a typed message saying everything that was going through my head, in the end I did not and IT was the best decision I'll never regret.  Today, Sunday morning I woke up feeling refreshed and thinking only of how I could continue to bring happiness to the people in my life, the people that matter.  So I visited my friend Lance at the Jungle of Life and found this truly amazing quote:

"What you do for yourself – any gesture of kindness, any gesture of gentleness, any gesture of honesty and clear seeing toward yourself – will affect how you experience your world. In fact, it will transform how you experience the world. What you do for yourself you're doing for others, and what you do for others, you're doing for yourself." ~ Pema Chödrön

This message sums it all up for me.  Treating myself with civility, kindness, love, and honesty help me to do the same for everyone else.  No matter what you do or say or how I may feel in the moment, I will come back to you and I will treat you with courtesy and kindness.  I will accept you for who you are and in time, maybe, you will begin to see that I will not let your attitudes and behavior change mine.

I am happy, therefore, I will make others happy!

Terie

People

I believe I have a very forgiving heart.  I am able to be angry, forgive and then forget... in other words, I get over things very quickly, except maybe during PMS.  I think many of you can understand that.  Outside of that time frame when hormones are going crazy I believe I am a pretty even keel person.  I love people, I love to make people happy, I love to make people laugh, though I am not a comedian nor do I aspire to be one.  I believe that everyone has the potential be be good and do good.  However we have to choose those good deeds and behaviors for ourselves.

I live in what one would consider to be a tight knit community.  During my time of ignorance I loved the idea that everyone got along, everyone was nice and civil to each other, no one went around bashing anyone, and I truly believed with all my heart that the people here were special because even if they didn't exactly like someone, they would still try to be kind to them and share the same space and time in honor of peace, laughter and joy.

Well, that's not the case and my eyes have been opened.  People here are just like people everywhere else.  They can be catty, ignorant, rude, annoying, and inconsiderate.  The only difference is that here we only have "us" there is no other community, there is no other church, there are no other schools, gyms, grocery stores or ball fields. Here we will come in contact with each other.  Don't get me wrong.  If you take these individual groups and set them outside of the circle of people they don't like, they are a fun group. 

The problem here is that there is a huge break in the natural way of things.  For example, if I throw a party and invite everyone I know (a lot of people) some might not attend simply because the person or persons they don't like will be at the party.  That would probably not be a problem if it was just that one person.  However, that one person has a best friend and now the best friend wont go either because they want to support their friend, understandably so.  Before you know you have a group of people not socializing with me because I socialize with someone they don't like.  Surely by now you must see how this is sounding like High School.

Sometimes we get stuck on the things we don't like about people and fail to see how that person might be an asset in our lives, how they just might make a huge difference and even become a trusted source.  I believe it is extremely important to overcome the disagreements that generally happen among people and move on.  If I chose to disregard someone simply based first impressions or someone else's views of that person I would probably not have any friends and would likely be a very unhappy person making everyone else unhappy.

I choose to accept people for who they are, after all, I too have my quirks and expect others to accept me the way I am.

I choose to forgive and really FORGET because I hope that if apologize to someone, they will forgive me and not ignore me.

I choose to embrace every single person I meet and all that they bring to the table - some are chatty, some finish your sentences, some complain, some cry, some are always happy, some are sad, their beliefs and disbeliefs, their likes, dislikes and differences.  

I believe that in order for people to really be happy they need to be able to appreciate others as they are. They need to respect the opinions of others without prejudice.  Life would be so boring if we all agreed with each other.  

Many speak of the Golden Rule which is repeated in many different religious beliefs but mainly in Judaism, Islam and Christianity "Treat others as you would want to be treated." Then why is it there are so many people who can't even follow this rule?

There will be times when my heart will be broken, my trust will be tested, and my life will be changed and I know during these times I will feel like I need to get revenge, make someone pay, or retaliate in some way.  I also know that the feeling will pass and I will simply chose to learn from the situation.  I hope to continue to be who I am today, happy, forgiving, loving and trusting. Life is just too short to hold on to bad feelings.  I will forgive and I will forget! 

Terie

Blue Monday - The Caribbean Sea

"Glass Beach, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba"

I could not resist sharing this beautiful "blue" view of the Caribbean Sea. Truthfully, I wanted to just stand there and stare for hours because it is just breathtaking.

There are stairs that lead to the beach which is not visible in this shot. But it is here that we go to feel like we're in a resort with a private beach. It is here where we go to collect the prettiest sea glass and interesting pieces of what once was someone's china, not sure but it would be interesting to find out where some of these treasures came from.

Enjoy the view, I hope to come again soon with more blues... in the mean time, visit SmilingSally to see what other's are sharing.

Have a great week! Happy "blue" Monday!

Terie

Smiling Sally

When parents get old

My entire life I saw my parents as hard-core, indestructible people who can do anything, know everything, and will be around for ever. 

About 5 years ago a friend lost a parent.  He was about my dad's age and lived an active lifestyle.  She, too, thought he was invincible.  It was then that I let myself consider the fact that my parents will die and that I will have to deal with that.  It was then that I realized that I needed to learn to accept the facts of life in order to better cope with an inevitable future.

Since then I see each year as a gift.  While I don't get to see my parents often because of where I live in Cuba and where they live (Dominican Republic).  I know, seems traveling between the two places should not be an issue but it is. Any travel in and out of the island (the base) requires several people, signed papers and true planning in case the one flight going my way is cancelled.

My mom (actually she's my step-mom) has Alzheimer's disease, my dad has type 2 diabetes. She doesn't remember much and he has to take care of her. I know this has to be exhausting for him and she doesn't really remember much.  I feel useless.  What can I do from here? Even the Internet is pointless if I don't have some type of lead.  How do you find that trusting visiting maid or nurse to come over weekly? What if she needs specialized care or needs to live in a home? What can I do?

This is a source of stress for me.  I think about them daily, I call them often and I pray that somehow they will be OK.  For now they are doing fine.  I dread the day when I get a call telling me I have to travel due to family Emergency. 

I will continue to call, write, and visit when I can.  I just want them to know how much I love them.  I want them to be there for them and they know that I would if we could.

In my heart, my parents will always be undefeated!

XOXO Mami y Papi :-) Los quiero mucho.

Really missing my honey :-(

"I Love You"

When my husband travels for one or two weeks at a time I don't usually fret about it.  I miss him but not so much that I feel the need to write or talk about it.  I am one of the guilty military wives crazy enough to admit that I do like it when he travels for short periods of time.  Not only does it give us a little space and time to miss each other but I also get a little break from the old routine (cooking, laundry, his favorite TV shows).

This last week he had to go back to the states, except this time he left stressed and he was traveling due to a family emergency.  He had to help his brother and that is most definitely important. However, I felt he was already gone the week before so I was ready for him to go and be physically there, getting answers.

This time I felt a real separation.  He left with nothing but his brother on his mind, didn't even know school was starting soon and didn't call to ask the girls how that was coming along.  Didn't call to ask how we were doing or if the baby was doing well.  I felt resentment, I felt selfish for thinking he should call and remember all these things.  I felt guilty for thinking he should be able to handle both, the urgency back home and the routine here on the island.  I thought he should be able to turn off the emotional concerns and stress being brought on by the events surrounding his brother and his parents and focus on HIS family just for a little bit.  I was afraid that his coming home would mean he would still have his mind there and not here.

I realized, this morning, that aside from the fact that I'm feeling a little more hormonal than usual this week, I have also been holding everything inside. Not crying, not being upset, not allowing myself to get stressed and not talking to anyone who might make me feel less then happy.  I continued my routine at the gym, the kids, the chores and to-do's of the day and stayed strong because after all, I have to be strong for my kids and for my husband...someone has to.

I finally let it all go today.  I broke down and cried, told my husband how I felt and how sorry I was for feeling the way I did and thinking what I thought about him.  I am not usually one to hold things in because I know that those things will make me unhappy and cranky.  It's pointless to worry from the inside out without doing anything to change the situation.  

So now I'm back to being me.  Realizing that my husband is not worried about his wife, kids, home because he knows I am strong and will take care of everyone.  On this mission he should only have to worry and think about his brother who needs him.  If he were to call everyday I might be offended that he didn't trust me.  Instead I am proud to have him in my life and happy that he trust me enough to not worry about what's happening here at home.  I am so glad I can provide him with that much sanity when things go crazy elsewhere!

He's on his way home and feeling great.  He is leaving his brother in good hands and in better shape then when he first arrived.  I'm glad I wasn't a source of stress for him,  I love him and I miss him, that's all!

~Terie

Vacation 2010- part 1

After living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the last seven months, I can honestly say that I am truly enjoying this vacation.  I wasn't sure how much I was going to have staying at a beach house since where I live I'm practically at a beach house everyday, but this is different.  We have a different family dynamics here with aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents and kids from 3 to 70+.  It has been amazing.  Fantastic week for everyone.  I can't wait to share pictures as soon as I get home because I forgot my camera cord so I can't download on the go.

Virginia Beach, at least the Sandbridge area, is really beautiful and not over crowded at all.  We've been exercising on the beach, going for long walks, battling the waves and sometimes just hanging out and visiting or playing games.  This is one time I wish we were staying longer so we could do more of the same but as the end draws near I know we have to get psyched up to go back or no, to go forward and resume our life in Cuba.  We do enjoy everything about where we live and we love the people and great friends we've made and thank goodness because that would make not having a Target close by dreadful..ugh!

I will be back to share pictures next week.  For now I will do my best to enjoy the last few days with family and friends.

Yes, Life Is Good! But only if you allow it to be!

Outdoor Wednesday 7/14- sweet butterflies

It is so hard to see wildlife here, at least the type that make me smile. Sorry but Iguanas, Hutias and Boas just don't do that for me..ugh! But every once in a while we do come across the pretty ones, like birds, tiny lizards are cute and of course these pretty little butterflies. I was able to capture a few yesterday, however the yellow ones seem to travel in packs. They hover over the trees and sometimes when we drive we feel like we're driving into an enchanted field of butterflies. The orange one in the middle is the only one I've seen of its kind. Just wanted to share them with you on this Outdoor Wednesday, hosted by Susan from A Southernday Dreamer.

Stop by Susan's blog to see what others have to share. Susan posted the most amazing photos of old graveyard stones. They are truly amazing, detailed and interesting. I love the angels the most. Thanks again Susan for hosting.

Blue Monday - Blue big and small

Hello again everyone. I've been missing all the awesome blues everyone has been posting here on Smiling Sally, hopefully I'm back for good. One thing is for sure, when I created this blog I actually had "early morning peace" time between 6:30 and 7:30 am. Not so much anymore. I go to work at the gym at 6 am and by the time I come home, around 7:30, the kids are up and, well, it's not so peaceful anymore. I'd have to get up at 4:30 am just to experience that great feeling again.

In the mean time I try to find little blocks of time here and there to get back to writing and reading and sharing.

Above are some tiny and big blues I found around the other day when I was testing my new Nikon D90 camara. So exciting, though I need to really learn how to use it. I could not help spotting that little birdhouse someone left in a tree in the front yard. I think it's the only one around and it is frequently visited by woodpeckers, but mostly by the house finch. Next to that is a view of the Guantanamo Bay and a pier just calling my name. However, I'd have to request permission to use it...can't just show up. Beneath that is my little peanut showing off her 4th of July tatto of the American flag, to her left is the bounce house and fun games set up for a day of family fun and finally the itsy, bitsy blue seaglass my peanut found and used on her homemade picture frame. I bet if I try harder I can find all sorts of blues, water not included.

I am on my way to visit many of the people who posted their blues on Smiling Sally. You should do the same... it's a great way to see other parts of the world or other people's ideas.

Until Next Time,
Terie

Celebrating me...and more

Spa Night at Terie's

I think it's really strange that while I was going to school, had a schedule packed with reading and writing and caring for the family I had time or took time to write.  Now that I'm done with school I can't seem to fit in any time to write and I really enjoy writing about everything.

Throughout the day I will have many stories written if only I could sending via ESP to my computer.  Maybe insert a little disk in my head and download all that's roaming inside there.  But such is life.  I have been so incredibly absent from my favorite blog, I actually miss sharing and reading what my followers have to say so I'm trying to get the ball rolling here.

An early morning peace moment in Guantanamo Bay it is.  Today, in the aftermath of my celebratory Spa party during which my girlfriends received a mini massage, smeared on some delicious chocolate face mask, ex-foliated their feet and hands and had a fantastic night.  I am so happy today, that everyone had a great time.

I was celebrating ME.  Yes, I threw myself a big bash party with the girls - no hubbies, no kids.  In fact, now that I think about it, the only man in the house was the Masseuse, Willi.  He's an older guy from the Philippines.  He's probably very happy that he chose to become a masseuse because only in this field do you get to rub so many women and have them pay you... ha ha ha!! But seriously, Willi was great and worked very hard to earn his keep. Everyone enjoyed their massage.

Back to ME.  I was celebrating the fact that I finished college and now have a B.S. in Social Studies and Humanities.  I am celebrating that I've been married to the same guy for 20 years.  I am celebrating my 43rd birthday and feeling more like 34!  I am also celebrating all the women who choose to NOT be co-dependant of anyone but themselves, women who choose to grow, love, laugh, and even break lose and do something wild.  I am celebrating perseverance, accomplishments, success, friendships, LIFE!!

I think the message was clear during the Spa party.  I shared with just about everyone how important it is to let go of negative feelings, to appreciate life and our short time together here in Guantanamo.  Holding grudges can often be debilitating and drag us down, depressing and viciously takes away precious moments in life.  So we learn to let go and move on.  Be happy.

Cheers to all my precious friends who shared in celebrating us!

Terie

You get what you need

There are often times when we (people) look at what others have and wished we had it ourselves.  Don't say not me, everybody has something they wished was different about themselves. Height, weight, hair, material possessions, relationships, etc. etc. the list goes on.  I believe there is nothing wrong with that... with wanting something.  I think it's natural to want things.  It's not OK to destroy what one has in an effort to get what one wants.

Let me explain this mess because I think right about now my Spanish to English mental translation is getting the better of me.

I have a good friend who is the most organized person I have ever met. Everything has a place, not a speck of dirt anywhere, laundry always done and put away, dishes always done, etc... I often wished I could be more like her. I even tried to be more like her.  I was exhausted by the end of the week and felt like a slave to my home and a maid to my children.  I'm not saying that she is any of these things but whatever she's doing, she has been doing for a long time and therefore this is not a struggle for or a job.  For me it wasn't just a change in how I handled daily chores, it was the constant need to change myself, my way of thinking and seeing life through the eyes of another person. I could not understand at the time, why I couldn't keep up the way she did, but soon I gave up the idea and went back to doing what I knew.

There was another time that I envied my cousin's hair.  We come from the same family line but she has what some in my family call "good hair" and I did not.  That just meant that someone should have taken the time learn and then teach me how to manage my own tresses.  I think this is where it all began.  People comparing me to my peers formed a person who felt inferior to others either because of looks, abilities or possessions.  Thankfully, I educated myself and learned quite a bit about people, behavior, personalities and how to avoid going down a path of self destruction.

I've learned that the grass is really always greener on the other side.  I remember people would say that to me and I never really knew how to translate that to make any sense to me.  My brain was always thinking "I grew up in the city, we didn't have much grass to talk about" or "what grass?"  Anyway, I figured it out, eventually.

Everybody has their issues. Everybody wants something they can't have. No one is completely happy all the time.  But most of us learn to deal with our issues, we learn to be OK with the want and content with what we have, and most important, we learn to strive to be happy and make others happy 100% of the time.

I am content with what I have, what I have accomplished and most of all, with the family that I can call my own.  I could not ask for a better husband (yes, there are times that I do ask for the impossible), I have beautiful, healthy, intelligent kids (let me brag, they're mine, all mine) and while I do admire what others have, how well they keep their home, and how easy it is for them to excel in their area of talent, I can honestly say that I am happy to be who I am today. Life would be so boring if we were always getting what we wanted.

You can't always get what  you want

But if you try sometimes, you just might find,

You get what you need! (Rolling Stones)

Who are you giving a "time out" to?

Today, I'm giving myself a "time-out" and the weather is perfect for this.

It rarely rains here in Guantanamo, Cuba but for the last two weeks we've had these clouds looming in the distance, dropping water by the buckets over the mountains and on the other side of the bay.  Now it's our turn. It has been raining for 2 days, on and off, but enough to give the trees, grass, and flowers a nice start for the summer.

I personally love the rain and rainy days, especially if I don't have to go anywhere or do anything.  It's one of those days perfect for reading, catching up on emails, writing, and relaxing.  The house is quiet, the kids are in school and the chores are just about all done.

So today, while I can, I will just take time out to do only what I WANT to do.  I'm on "time out" from chores, responsibilities, and school work and I am going to enjoy every quiet minute I have to spend with ME.

Try it.

Terie

Prompt is courtesy of Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  Stop by and start your own :-)

Outdoor Wednesday - Iguana by the Bay

Outdoor Wednesday is hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.  Stop by to see what other fantastic outdoor pics others are showing off!

This friendly iguana was looking food at the Bayview Restaurant - we're not allowed to feed the iguanas, for obvious reasons.

My little man spotted what he calls "a crocodile."

And of course, the view is just amazing from the restaurant, inside and out.  I really can't complain.  Living in Guantanamo has been an experience like no other and to think I have 2 more years to go.

Glad to be back, now that school is out for me and I am done, for now! So happy to be free of text books, papers, and late night writings that are not necessarily fun.

Enjoy your outdoors today and everyday!

Terie

Blue Monday - water day

I finally made it to a blue monday on MONDAY :-)

Here is my little man having the best play date ever. We decided that the best and most fun day would be spent in a mini pool playing with his friends while the mommies looked on asking... why can't we do that. It's such a simple thing, to enjoy each other's company and splash a little water every now and then, without worries.

... and then after all the splashing is done, enjoy a delicious, nutritious, home made yogurt and BLUEberry ice pop!

Happy BLUE Monday to all!

Don't forget to visit Smiling Sally to see blues around the world! Thank You Sally for hosting.

Blue Monday- Sea Glass

We recently went back to Glass Beach where I found quite a few of the blue sea glass you see here. The color is so vibrant and so deep I just wish I had a jar full of just that color. We had a great time playing in the water and searching for the most wanted colors, blue, red, purple, and black.

Now I need some ideas for all my sea glass. Any crafty people out there? I stay away from jewelry because I wont wear it and my friend already does that. I would rather make something that I can display in my house so I take any ideas you may have. Oh and I have the display in a jar and a bowl down as the #1 way to show off sea glass and add color to the "all too white" rooms in military housing.

Anything else?

Please visit Smiling Sally to see what other blues are roaming around the world!

Thanks for visiting.

Terie

Self Portrait "Pouting Emilie"

Every time I see this self portrait of our daughter I feel a sense of pride. Where she get this talent I just don't know. Maybe I have it and it was just never developed... hmmm!

This is our Emilie. She drew this with an artist pencil in art class in a very short period of time. She often questions her talent. As a typical teen, she really didn't accept her artistic talent until this last "master piece!"

Such a beautiful person, a beautiful, funny girl. We are so proud!!

Outdoor Wednesday- Honey our new Lab

I'm excited to show off our new 3 year old Yellow Lab "Honey."

She is a great dog, obedient, playfull and loves to run and get wet!

We're excited to have her.

Hopefully soon I'll start gardening and will be able to show off all the pretty things I hope to grow here in Guantanamo. I will have to develop a really green thumb somehow but I need to see more green and more colors in my yard soon :-)

Enjoy your day everyone!

Please visit Susan at A Southernday Dreamer where I'm sure you'll find some really great outdoor photos.

Blue Monday - Blue Beach

Care to guess why this is called Blue Beach?

Beautiful.

The waves were wild and everyone had a great time riding them all the way to the shore!

Visit Smiling Sally to see what other blues are roaming around.

Terie

Outdoor Wednesday: Playing in the Sand

It is so sweet to see a child play so well all by himself. I wish I could read his mind. What is he thinking? Could I let my mind go there and play without thinking about the chores, the school work that awaits me? I can at least try.

Have a wonderful Outdoor Wednesday everyone!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today is outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan from A Southern Day Dreamer. Visit Susan to see what others are sharing.

Blue Monday - my Kids

"... and then thee were three"

I have to admit that while I love, love, love each of them as individuals, I find myself really, really missing my oldest child a lot. I need to get busy so time goes by faster. He's at college and I'm on an island far, far away. We do chat online often and I manage to send him little notes to let him know he's missed, loved, and ... did I mention missed?

Gosh, this is painful. OK it is for his own good. I'm glad he's mature enough to be on his own, doing what he loves to do. I wont say that I'll get over it because quite frankly, I don't want to get over missing my oldest child, I'm OK with that. But I will move on, after all, I do have three others.

The middle child who is so darn artistic even she doesn't realize it some times, the 7 year old that has more energy stored in her little body then she knows what to do with, and my little man who can make anyone smile with his big hazel eyes and long eye lashes and beautiful smile. So Sweet! Do I sound like I'm looney for my kids? I am. They make me smile, they keep me young, and when they're asleep they are the BEST kids under the sun, for sure!!

Kids have a way of really irritating me. They know exactly how to get under my skin. The hardest thing for me is to not laugh when I'm trying to be serious. Sometimes I walk away to laugh at their facial expressions, then hopefully return to continue my scolding. It really does not work but it makes us all laugh--usually!!

I took this pictures at the beach yesterday because it was just perfect! Enjoy it!

~~~~~~~~~~~

It is Sally's Blue Monday and a great day it is. Stop by Smiling Sally to see what others are sharing.

Saturday mornings -- ahhhhh

Something about waking early on Saturday that just rejuvenates me. I know many people who can't wait for the weekend so they can sleep in. I look forward to the weekend so they can sleep in too. That means quiet time for me. It's early morning peace!

Today I got up, made coffee, sent the hubby on the way to work (not a usual thing for a Saturday morning, he is one of those let me sleep in type of people), the kids were still asleep and the morning was all mine, at least for the next hour.

Out of my kitchen window I was able to capture the photo above. There's a certain haze over the mountains in the distance which a lot like how I feel when I first get up and before I have a chance to focus.

I did a morning prayer. Meditation, if you will, outside in the warm, humid breeze. My time to stare into this horizon was limited so I took full advantage. It was just so rejuvenating to stare into the horizon and know that I did not have to rush to go anywhere and no one was tugging at my skirt. I was able to breath for a few minutes, without concern for anyone but me. This is peace. I think I'll be more energized and relaxed by the time the kids get out of bed.

It's the beginning of a beautiful day! Enjoy it!

Blue Monday - decorating with colors

I love to be surrounded by colors so it goes without saying that my white kitchen just wasn't going to make me happy while living in Guantanamo Bay. We are allowed to paint, however, I'd have to paint it all back to white and I'm not sure I even want to tackle that job. It's military housing - what can I say.

Notice the only color here are my little yellow flowers and better yet the sky and water I could see out of the kitchen window. Makes standing by the sink so pleasant.

So I decided I would add splashes of color here and there and everywhere. I went to celebrate a friend's birthday the other day and the came out with these really cool and colorful plates. It's like a rainbow staring back at me. I love them and want to take them with me but they wont let me..boo hoo!! I will visit the thrift store first but I think I will end up ordering a stack of colorful items to liven up my all too white kitchen.

I think my entire house will need color so I may have to rely on colorful valances and window treatments, maybe even some pillows and throws...hmmm. The wheels are spinning like you wouldn't believe!

~~~~~~~

Blue Monday is hosted by Smiling Sally.

Visit Sally today to participate and see the blues others are sharing.

Praying with all my heart for the people of Haiti

I am not one to get stuck on watching the news 24/7 because the repetitiveness can be depressing, so I watch until they start repeating themselves. It only takes a minute to take in and feel the pain for the people of Haiti. It is painful to see and to know that so many perished and so many others are now homeless, broken in so many ways.

I realize that I can't personally do anything except make donations and support those who can. So I pray for them and those who are traveling to Haiti to help rebuild their lives, their spirit, and give them a light of hope. I hope you will do the same.

Google has set up some ways to help and information page, but I'm sure there are many other ways out there, starting with the Red Cross. Just be careful where you make donations, make sure it's not a scam site.

Google Crisis Response

Blue Monday - Meditate on a Stormy Day

I recently joined a 28 day meditation challenge hosted by Janice Lundy (author of Your Truest Self). In the last three days, since I joined I can honestly say that I do feel a sense of calm and sort of freedom in my heart that I did not feel before. I know, it sounds crazy to think that three days could change me so much but admittedly, I started long ago before ever coming across Jan. I just wasn't meditating on a regular basis always finding an excuse to stay busy and keep my mind occupied with idle thoughts of nothing really important like whether I made my bed or did forget to switch the laundry.

Funny thing is that in the last few days the things I know need to get done always get done. My diet and nutrition habits are back on track, I pay more attention to being in the moment and enjoying the quietness and stillness of the day because for me, those are few and far between.

I leave you now with my beautiful stormy day blue picture of the day and a beautiful inspirational quote from Jan's site.

Inspiration:

"Living in the present moment is the full awareness and appreciation of the life we have, right here, right now. Present moment awareness is being aware of what is happening in ourselves and our world instead of being lost in random fears from the past and uncertainties, hopes, and expectations for the future. In the absence of those fantasies we have the opportunity to enjoy our day-to-day living."

~Shannon Duncan, Present Moment Awareness: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Living in the Now (New World Library, 2004)

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Visit Smiling Sally, our host for Blue Monday to see so many beautiful blues everyone else is sharing!! Thank You Sally, this is so much fun and helps me to really pay attention to all the blue around me - it's never sad!!

Lisa Lectura's Give Away- join the fun!

So I visited my friend Beedeebabee where I found out that Lisa Lectura is having a giveaway which ends tonight. They are both amazing and creative. Join in the fun. Click here for a chance at winning one of Lisa's creations!!

I Spy Little Treasures

It is so easy to miss the little treasures we are given each and every day. I have always had my camera handy to help me keep track of the little things I see and the ones I don't see. Well, my camera broke. It no longer works and now I have to wait to get a new one. Yes, I'm very sad. However, I do have a little Kodak I bought my husband and it's not so bad at catching little moving animals in the sand.

These are not the best but I wanted to show off some of the littlest treasures we come across everyday. Enjoy!

If only I was feeling more creative with words I could make up a rhyme like the ones in the children's books "I Spy."

In this bottle of sea glass I spy with my little eye a tiny blue sea glass. Apparently difficult to find and treasured by many.

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I spy with my little eye a shell with a friend, a hermit crab is hiding under these conch shells in the garden. I only know this because he moved and I saw him.

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I spy with my little eye a teeny-tiny crab. About the size of a dime. I can't believe I was able to capture this little guy, he was fast.

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I spy with my little eye another teeny-tiny hermit crab, smaller than a dime. I think he was posing for this one.

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I hope you have a fantastic Saturday. Have you been able to capture any teeny-tiny treasures lately?

Terie